Everyone is talking about the newest Netflix obsession, American Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. This series provides fans with a comprehensive behind-the-scenes view of the tryout process for the 2023 Dallas Cowboy Cheerleading team. It also delves deep into the team’s history and sorority-like culture. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have been iconic for over 63 years, making it a “family business” for some girls. This adds an extra layer of pressure to the already intense tryout process.
A Legacy of Entertainment
This isn’t the first time the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have had a television show. They previously starred in the series, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making The Team, which aired from 2006 to 2021. One of the main women featured in the new Netflix series, Victoria, was on the previous series and went viral when she was cut. Victoria’s mother is a previous Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, and she grew up with head coach Kelli, which makes her place in this series quite unique. She eventually made the team on the other series but took a year off for her own health. Now she’s back to try out again on this new series, alongside a new group of hopefuls.
The Search for Perfection
The series quickly captivates viewers, who find themselves rooting for certain girls. However, there are significant issues that need to be addressed. It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders look for the “perfect woman,” a concept that echoes the Playboy Bunny obsession of the 2000s. Former cheerleaders hold onto this title and their “glory days” tightly, which adds to the pressure on current aspirants. The truth is the realities of being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader can be harsh, and no wonder why they feel being chosen is an ultimate status symbol.
Behind the Curtain: Harsh Realities
Throughout the episodes, viewers watch Kelli McGonagill Finglass and Judy Trammell, both former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, degrade the women trying out. The shocking comments made during deliberations are not always communicated to the women when they are cut. For example, one woman was cut because she had gotten “fatter in the face,” another’s “feet weren’t pretty,” and another was deemed too short. The series even discusses whether a height requirement should be instituted for tryouts. These comments, especially those about weight and appearance, are cringe-worthy but hard to turn away from. Victoria is very open about how DCC has affected her mental and physical health, and the entire series seems to promote an unhealthy obsession with the “perfect woman”.
The Transformation Process
The tryout process includes multiple rounds of dancing, uniform fittings, and makeovers, where the Dallas Cowboys’ top stylist chooses their hair. For some girls, the change isn’t drastic, but for others, like Kelly V, it is significant. She underwent a full blonde-to-brunette transformation in hopes of making the team. This transformation signifies the lengths to which these women are willing to go to fit the mold of what is considered the ideal Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. Ultimately, Kelly V wasn’t picked at all but said she would keep her hair color to try out again next year as this “was the look DCC wanted.”
The Reality of Being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader
After the girls are picked in an empty stadium, their dreams are either realized or crushed. The series then shows what a season is like for a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. It’s clear that these women are signing up for more work than they are paid for. One cheerleader stated that they make what a Chick-fil-A full-time worker earns. Most of the girls work regular jobs in addition to cheering or relying on family support. Rookie Anisha, who was cut after injuring her ankle, is an orthodontist willing to move from LA to Dallas. Team Captain Kelcey is a part-time pediatric nurse who juggles work and cheerleading commitments. She states in the series, “A lot of us work full -time jobs and come to DCC at night, so it can be really exhausting.” Clearly, being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader is a huge yearly commitment, with mandatory practices, games, community events, charity events, and more. Yet, despite their significant contributions, the cheerleaders are grossly underpaid.
The Financial Paradox
One of the most glaring issues highlighted in the series is the financial compensation of the cheerleaders. The cheerleaders are paid very little despite their significant contributions to the brand and the franchise. This is particularly striking given the millions of dollars in revenue generated by the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders through merchandising and events. The cheerleaders are required to look like a “10” 24/7, attend all practices, games, community events, charity events, and more, yet they are compensated at a rate comparable to a Chick-fil-A full-time worker. This financial paradox raises questions about the distribution of wealth within the organization and the value placed on the cheerleaders’ work.
The Emotional Toll
The emotional toll on the cheerleaders is another critical aspect that the series brings to light. The intense scrutiny and high expectations can lead to significant mental health challenges. Victoria’s openness about how DCC has affected her mental and physical health is a powerful testament to the emotional strain that comes with being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. This includes a horrible cycle of depression and eating disorders, The series underscores the need for better mental health support and a more compassionate approach to evaluating and managing the cheerleaders.
Societal Reflections
The series serves as a mirror to society’s evolving views on beauty, worth, and gender roles. It prompts viewers to reflect on why certain standards and practices are still prevalent and what changes are necessary to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in all fields. In one episode, they do into depth about how they do not allow fans to touch the cheerleaders and how some fans treat them like an object. This becomes apparent when a photographer gropes one cheerleader during a game, and some how no one can find footage of it. The cheerleaders even commented that they knew the AT&T stadium film and photo crew were protecting the guy. The portrayal of the cheerleaders’ experiences is both a celebration of their dedication and a critique of the systemic issues that undermine their well-being and value.
A Season of Challenges and Triumphs
The season wraps up when the Cowboys fail to make it to the Super Bowl, and the cheerleaders decide whether to try out for the next season. All team members must turn in their uniforms and try out again, making it a formality to ensure their merchandise is up to date. Did you know they print 3 different calendars every year in case one of the girls changes there mind or they do’t make it? Some girls choose not to return for personal reasons. For team captain Kelsey, it was time to leave DCC due to a rule limiting participation to five years. Victoria’s story is a focal point of the season as she asks Kelli and Judy if there is any way she would make captain next year, and they tell her no. Initially she puts her uniform on the returning section, but she eventually decides not to return. In a new instagram post, we find out she’s moved to New York City in hopes of becoming a Rockette.
The Broader Impact
Overall, the series is captivating but also raises important questions about societal values and the treatment of women. The depiction of the cheerleaders’ experiences shines a light on the broader issues of body image, self-worth, and the pressures placed on women to conform to unrealistic standards. The series serves as a reflection of how much society has changed and how much further it needs to go. The series raises several important questions: Why are we still allowing this kind of treatment and unrealistic standards in such a prominent organization? Shouldn’t this series be enough for any girl to say no to becoming a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader? Will it affect DCC tryout numbers for the 24-25 season? These are questions that only time will answer.
Looking Forward
It remains to be seen if Netflix will pick up a second season of this series. Given the controversy and the conversations it has sparked, it would be interesting to see how the series evolves and whether it addresses the criticisms head-on. For now, American Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders remains a must-watch, not just for its entertainment value but for the important discussions it ignites. Have you seen the series yet? Let me know what you think in the comments.
